Bellefontaine, located at the highest point in Ohio, is a historic site derailed by the 2008 market crash. “Downtown is a prime example of how this city has been heavily revitalized after a private company swooped in to help restore buildings following the economic crash in 2008,” says Cody Adams, a real estate agent at Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. “I must emphasize that it's a rural town where most things aren’t commercial, and it thrives on its emerging mom-and-pop shops.”
Downtown Bellefontaine, home to Court Avenue, the first concrete street in America, is now rediscovering its small-town charm with local businesses and award-winning restaurants. Most residents also commute 17 miles east to Marysville, Ohio, where the Honda auto plant employs more than 30,000 Ohioans.
Bellefontaine is a city in Logan County, Ohio located 48 miles northwest of Columbus.
Downtown Bellefontaine, home to Court Avenue, the first concrete street in America, is now rediscovering its small-town charm with local businesses and award-winning restaurants.
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Heavy car-dependent city near multiple U.S. Routes
While Bellefontaine has access to several U.S. and state routes, the city does not offer public transportation. “There is no public transportation, so a car is a must-have,” says Adams. “They don’t even offer Uber or Lyft, but U.S. Route 33 is a huge plus for getting in and out of the city.” John Glenn Columbus International Airport, the nearest commercial airport, is 60 miles east of Columbus, Ohio. However, Mary Rutan Hospital is located within city limits for quick access.
Local mom-and-pop shops, restaurants in Bellefontaine's downtown district
Big-box retail stores and national fast-food chains, such as Walmart Supercenter and McDonald’s, greet newcomers entering the Bellefontaine city limits. However, the city thrives in its downtown district, home to several mom-and-pop shops and restaurants. "It's a growing historic downtown, especially with our buildings being redone," says Amanda Ramsey, project manager for the Logan County Chamber & Visitors Bureau. “Two very popular restaurants, Flying Pepper and Six Hundred Downtown, always draw a crowd.” Six Hundred Downtown’s owner, Michael Shepherd, has been featured on the Food Network promoting the establishment. Locals also frequent the Main Street Marketplace, which includes a dance studio, a full-service salon, an escape room, and the Morning Riot, a popular lunch spot.
Downtown Bellefontaine is a great place to shop and dine.
The Poppy Seed is a small boutique in Bellefontaine, Ohio offering women's clothing, accessories, home decor, and gifts, plus salon services.
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Travel outside city limits for Mad River Mountain, Indian Lake
Bellefontaine has its fair share of city parks, and Rutan Park is home to a disc golf course and pickleball courts. However, just outside town are a pair of attractions for different seasons. “The city is close to Indian Lake, which attracts many people living in Central Ohio, says Adams. “In the opposite direction, Mad River Mountain is a ski resort that gets pretty crowded in the winter.” Indian Lake offers various recreational options, including an archery range, fishing, jet skiing, and swimming. The 5,100-acre lake also houses boating facilities with five launch ramps. Mad River Mountain is Ohio’s largest ski and snowboard resort that attracts thousands in the winter.
Bellefontaine is close to Indian Lake, which attracts many people living in Central Ohio.
Mad River Mountain is Ohio’s largest ski and snowboard resort located near Bellefontaine that attracts thousands in the winter.
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Attend the annual Logan County Fair
Located in Bellefontaine, the Logan County Fairgrounds host the annual county fair in July. Organized by the Logan County Agricultural Society, the weeklong event draws youth and adults to compete in livestock shows, baked goods contests, and ice cream judging. Other local events typically showcase various spots in downtown Bellefontaine, says Ramsey. “We have this widely popular summer festival called Pineapple Palooza, where folks can zipline down Main Street.”
Craftsman, ranch-style homes line Main Street
With a population of 14,000, homes in Bellefontaine range from craftsman to four-square styles that line Main Street, and families may experience traffic noise during rush hour. “It’s a small rural town with new development just now coming into the area,” says Adams. The city's eastern half features two-story brick ranch-style and craftsman homes with expansive driveways, ranging between $300,000 and $400,000. The median home price in Bellefontaine is $238,000. Residents living near the Bellefontaine Regional Airport may also hear noise from air traffic.
Ranch style homes are very popular in Bellefontaine, Ohio.
American foursquares can be found on many streets of Bellefontaine.
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District athletics connection to The Ohio State University
The Bellefontaine City School District is the city’s central school district, serving 2,200 students from prekindergarten through grade 12. The district earned a B rating on Niche. It oversees four schools, including Bellefontaine High School, which has gained national media attention for its football program. For private education within the city, Calvary Christian School provides schooling for kindergarten through grade 12.
Bellefontaine High School has gained national media attention for its football program.
Bellefontaine Elementary school in Bellefontaine, Ohio serves the children in grades PK, K-5.
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Low crime and environmental concerns
According to the FBI Data Explorer, both violent and property crime rates in Bellefontaine have decreased over the past two years and are below state and national averages. Residents should also be aware of a low flood risk throughout the city.
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